Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

ARCHER () (): Last week, a group of 120 Tasmanian women gathered in Launceston for the Micha Women Leaders Network dinner. The event brought women together for an important conversation on social justice, leadership and how to use your voice as an advocate for change. The aim of the evening was to inspire and equip attendees by connecting like-minded individuals and empowering them to support and drive meaningful action. As part of the evening, the women had the opportunity to take action to advocate for rebuilding Australian aid to one per cent of the Australian budget.

I was delighted to be invited to speak to the gathering and share insights into the power of advocacy. I've had the great pleasure of working with the Micha organisation and Executive Director, Reverend Tim Costello, across several years now, as we advocate for a safer world for all. It was an honour to speak and share conversations about the powerful role women play in advocacy, the importance of choosing hope, joy and grace over frustration and despair, and empowering empathetic and vulnerable leadership in a polarised world. Thanks to the Tailrace Centre, and particularly Sharon O'Neill, for hosting the event.

I collected postcards from participants calling for increased support for Australia's foreign aid and, as promised, have brought copies of those to Canberra this week to deliver to decision-makers. Thank you to all the women who attended. As I said on the night, hope is not a strategy. Your voice is powerful and can make a difference.